1960s London…The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, the first supermodels Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, Carnaby Street, King’s Road… Swinging London at its best! As for movie stars, if there is one who epitomizes the British actor of the mid-1960s, it would have to be Michael Caine.
Following the success of Zulu in 1964, Michael Caine shot to fame and become a household name thanks first to his role as Harry Palmer (The Ipcress File, 1965) and then to the title role in Alfie.
Alfie (1966), for those who really don’t have a clue, is an unrepentant womanizer who only cares about one thing: Himself. He charms women – sorry, birds – cheats on them, treats them disrespectfully… you get the picture. The role earned Caine his first Oscar nomination.
And where best to enjoy life to the full than…Islington! Whereas James Mason strolled along Chapel Market, Alfie preferred Exmouth Market!
Early on in the movie, Alfie’s official girlfriend Gilda (Julia Foster) is getting back home. She gets off the bus and then can be seen running through Exmouth Market with the Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer clearly visible in the back…
… before disappearing in Northampton Row.
And what about Michael Caine I hear you say. No Michael Caine in Exmouth Market?
(cockney accent) Let me tell ya something luv. Bet ya he got busy with some bird in Spa Fields. Obvious, innit?
Ah…Swinging London: Carnaby Street, King’s Road…Exmouth market!
Fade Out
Enjoyed this post? Feel free to comment, share it with your friends and come to Islington to discover our locations! Don’t forget to send me your pictures.
And if you do know any Islington location used for Film, TV, photo shoot or have been involved in the process, drop me a line at TheUnbelievableMrX(at)gmail.com or via Twitter
How to get there?
Exmouth Market EC1R 4QE
Angel Tube Station (Zone 1)
Farringdon Station (Zone 1)
Many buses to Farringdon Road and Rosebery Avenue
Lights, Camera…Islington! 
Leave a Reply